A/N: Wooohoo! We passed the 100th review! Thank you so much for all your support and kind words. It actually prompted me to update it sooner, so keep them coming ;)
SandPrincess, since you're my 100th reviewer I will dedicate this chapter to you. So, from here on out, for every 100 review, I will dedicate a chapter to the reader.
MASSIVE thanks to both my Beta SarcasticBimbo for all the time and effort she puts for whipping this story into shape. And to my proof-reader Lotus Wright for eagerly brushing it up.
Some of you have been asking what the tattoo is, y'all just have to wait a bit more ^_^
Exclaimer: Do I even need to mention it at this point?
Chapter VIII: A Moment of Truce
I was wrong.
Being pushed in a wheelchair to my hospital bed is far more embarrassing, especially when Charlie is loudly calling for nurses to immediately check on me.
Sighing, I palm my face in annoyance. "I'm fucking fine," I mutter under my breath.
Once I'm settled on the hospital bed near the back of the room I take a breath of relief.
I could use a few minutes to myself to sort out the events of the day.
Just as I'm about to try to lay my head down on the hard pillow, a nurse walks up to me with a pink foam neck brace. The EMTs had made me wear a rigid plastic one for the ride to the hospital, and as soon as I'd settled on the bed I removed it immediately.
I startle away from her. "Hey, hey, what's with the neck brace?"
The nurse who, I thought, appeared to be bored, becomes exasperated at my question and nastily replies. "It's a precautionary measure, Miss, to ensure your neck isn't damaged further."
I respond indignantly. "I didn't break my neck, so no need. And pink?! Could you be any more ridiculous? You are endorsing a patriarchal norm by assigning gender colors. Don't you know that pink is reflective of our society's suffocating gender stereotypes?" I ramble incessantly to the nurse, pause a moment to roll my eyes, and continue. "Besides, I hate that color with a vengeance because it's wretched and dull, so get it away from me!"
Nurse Betty, as written on her name tag, forces the neck-brace on me, despite my eloquent and well founded protest, then shuffles away, mumbling. "I'm not paid enough for this."
I sit back and scowl.
Trust men to assign a 'gender color' to the female population.
*Snorts* Trusting men? Girl, that's an oxymoron. You can't trust someone who freaks out at the sight of tampons and blood. Team Red Wings all the way!
Ew, fuck no! Nope, that's a hard limit, there.
Hard limit, huh? Gurl, you've been reading too many BDSM books.
Oh my god, will you ever shut up!
Technically, I can't because I'm your subconscious, smartass.
Whatever.
Wise choice of words.
As I rest, I mull over the events and my observations of today.
Edward is an intense character. So much so that he appears almost animalistic. His growls and hisses are evidence of that.
He's also superhuman!
Don't you sound so cheerful. What's with the giddiness?
Oh, I don't know, just the fact that he's super fast and strong is alluring, duh!
Excuse me! You're ruining my scrutinous observation and analysis.
Pfffft! Well, isn't that a load of bull-
Nurse Betty comes back again and without a word pulls out a needle. She takes my left arm, tells me she's going to take blood and then takes me for an MRI scan of my head.
I snatch back my gauze-covered, newly-tattooed arm and extend my right arm. She sighs in exasperation and without further question draws blood from the inside of the elbow.
To add insult to injury, she covers the needle site with a pink bandage.
I glare at her deliberate spite; she ignores me by rolling a wheelchair from behind her that I didn't notice before.
"I can walk, you know. I didn't break anything when I was shoved out of the way of the van, see?" I tell her disgruntledly as I spin around.
"Just get in the wheelchair, Miss. It's hospital protocol." She responds in an annoyed tone.
I begrudgingly sit on the chair and she transports me to the area of the hospital where X-rays, CT scans and MRIs are done. I spend the next few minutes having my head scanned.
~E&I~
I sit on the bed with a murderous expression on my face, glaring at my lap, as I wait for a doctor to check me for any injuries. Assward just had to run his fucking mouth and put me in an embarrassing situation. Does he get off on seeing me angry?
I cross my hands over my chest and grumble, "Infuriating, annoying, meddlesome, arrogant, know-it-all-"
"That is not me you are describing, is it?" interrupts the last voice I want to hear, no matter how silky and alluring it sounds.
I startle at his sudden silent entrance, feeling my heart pound erratically. Lifting my gaze from the floor I see him standing at the foot of the bed with a maddening grin and twinkling eyes.
"No, it's another infuriating, annoying, meddlesome, arrogant, know-it-all that I know," I retort sarcastically. "And fucking knock, dude! You almost gave me a heart attack!"
Grin still in place, he replies. "I did knock, Bella. You were just too busy grumbling in annoyance and glaring at your lap to hear it."
Rolling my eyes at him, I reply in an irked tone. "Well that should've given you a clue that I'm in no mood for idle chit-chat."
His eyes brighten with mirth. "That is not the reason I came here. Here, you must be thirsty." He says in a tone that lets me know arguing would be futile, while handing me a water bottle that I hadn't seen earlier because I was too busy staring at his handsome face.
I take the bottle from him without a fight and surprise myself by drinking almost half of the water. Wow, Edward's right, I guess I was thirsty.
While I'm drinking, his eyes shifted back-and-forth from my face to my neck. Why would he be looking at my neck? Maybe I'm just imagining that part.
Turning the bottle around I see that it has something written on it.
'I have never faked a sarcasm in my life'
Out of nowhere, I, Bella Swan, a legendary badass famous for keeping her cool - (In your own mind, Swan) - burst into giggles, followed by an attack of laughter so hard I had to grab my stomach.
When I calm myself down, I look at Edward and see that he has the brightest smile on his face. That smile transforms mere handsomeness to beauty that defies description
Those beautiful bright topaz eyes stare into my giddy hazel ones for a few seconds, after which he says softly, "That's the first time I have heard you laugh, it's beautiful. But it's even better to look at you while you are laughing, especially when your laughter illuminates your eyes. I definitely hope to see that more often."
I blush profusely and a small, shy smile tugs at the corners of my mouth as I gaze into those gentle, mesmerizing eyes. Edward smiles softly back at me in return.
Our moment is interrupted by the sound of footsteps.
Edward steps back from the bed and leans on the wall by the window.
A gorgeous blond-haired man walks in holding a chart. He appears to be in his late twenties or early thirties, at most. The physical resemblance between this man and Edward is striking. I guess this is Dr. Cullen. It's not that difficult to tell, seeing as they're both pale and have the same eye color, despite the fact that they're not related.
Dr. Cullen stops by my side and says with a smile. "Hello, Miss Swan, I'm Dr. Carlisle Cullen, how are you feeling?"
"I'm perfectly fine, Doc, I'm feeling great! There's nothing wrong with me. It's just a misunderstanding and a wrong judgment. My head isn't injured at all," I remark with a cheeky smile, while also hinting to Assward to mind his own business.
Doc simply chuckles and shakes his head. "It will be quite interesting to have you around here, Ms. Swan."
"Call me Bella, Doc. No need for formalities seeing as we'll become close friends soon," I smile ironically.
"I would surmise so, seeing as you have extensive experience at being rushed to hospitals, Bella," Doc replies with a wry smile and amusement in his voice.
I sigh dramatically. "Such is the life of a klutz, I'm afraid."
He chuckles again then asks me to sit straight while he conducts a brief neurological examination. He asks me about my headache and I barely keep from growling that I'm fine. His questioning tempts me to look back and glare at Assward.
Throughout the examination, I can feel his gaze on my back, like an electric charge that hums and crackles, forcing the hairs on my neck to stand on end.
A vibrating buzz comes from behind me, and without a word, Edward leaves.
Just as he steps through the doors, Charlie barges in, almost colliding with Edward. He darts to my side, worry etched on his face.
"Dad, I'm fi-,"
He cuts in crossly. "Bella, so help me god, if you say you're fine one more time I will go insane."
Dr. Cullen steps in calmly. "Chief Swan, I ended my examination of Bella just as you entered. There truly is nothing wrong with her, she is absolutely healthy and has not sustained any injury. The headache she experienced was the result of imminent shock and acute stress. I would advise you, Bella, to take an Advil before bed if the headache returns."
"I'll make sure she takes them, Doctor Cullen. Thank you," Charlie says in gratitude as he wraps his arm around my shoulders.
Jeez, Charlie! I'm not a baby!
I gaze at Doc attentively and state. "Yeah, it wouldn't have turned out well if Edward hadn't been there to pull me away."
Without skipping a beat, Doc replies smoothly with his smile still in place. "You were quite lucky, then," while signing the chart.
Doc's definitely in on it.
"I'm simply doing my job, Chief Swan. No thanks are necessary," Doc replies kindly. He then looks at me. "Be safe, Bella."
"You too, Doc," I smile at him and walk away with Charlie beside me.
"Hey, Dad. Where's Bob?" I ask in panic as soon as I remember that I left him at school.
"Calm down, Bells, I had it towed home. I'll have the headlight fixed tomorrow by the time you come home from school," Charlie replies quietly.
"Thanks, Dad," I reply appreciatively, stepping on my tip toes to kiss his cheek.
His ears turn red and he replies gruffly. "Don't mention it, Bells."
~E&I~
When we get home it's - surprise, surprise - pouring. We run to the porch but still manage to get soaked through. In front of the door, there is a woven basket covered with a white cloth. Shocked, I approach to uncover it when Charlie goes into cop mode and stops me. "Bells, wait, stay back. I will check this."
He steps carefully to the basket, leaning down and slowly removing the cloth.
Charlie visibly relaxes when he sees the contents.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
I have never seen anything so beautiful in my life.
This is so beautiful. *sniff* A hymn should be dedicated to its sheer perfection.
A choir of angels sing in the background as I step toward the basket, fall to my knees, and hug the basket of chocolate goodies to me.
"Oh my god, this is literally the sweetest thing ever!" I exclaim happily.
Charlie chuckles and asks, "Who's it from?" curiosity alert in his voice.
I check to see if there's a card inside. I'm disappointed when I can't find any.
"There's nothing in here, Dad." I frown.
"Well, then, I guess you have a secret admirer, Bells," he snickers, then sighs before grinning evilly. "Guess I have to polish my guns."
He unlocks the door and ushers me inside before locking it.
I roll my eyes at his dramatic antics. "Jeez, Dad. I don't even know who the person is and already you're contemplating intimidation."
He replies snarkily. "It's my duty as your father to scare boys away from you kiddo."
"What makes you think the admirer is a boy? It could be a girl." I respond cheekily.
Charlie's eyes bulge out. "A-are you one of them l-lesbians, Bells?!"
I blink at him a couple of times before bursting into hysterical laughter. "Da-Dad! Oh my gawd, you should see your face! HAHAHHAHAHA!"
He collects himself, then harrumphs before saying, "Well, how am I supposed to know? I mean if you are, you can tell me, Bells. Yo- you'd still be my little girl."
I feel touched at his acceptance. "I'm not, but it's good to hear that you'd be okay with it. You're the best."
He moustache twitches as he clears his throat.
To save him from further awkwardness I head to my room. "I've got some homework to do, Dad. There's leftovers in the fridge; you eat that. I'm not really hungry, good night!" I yell.
"Night, Bells," he replies a few seconds later.
~E&I~
The sound of constant loud pattering on the roof wakes me from a deep and restful slumber.
"Motherfucker," I mumble, annoyed, rolling under the covers and covering my head against the noise.
Squinting one eye open I check to see that it's 6 o'clock in the morning. Yes! I have 30 more minutes of blissful sleep until my alarm rings.
But before I drift back to sleep my peering eye catches the basket, spurring my brain into 'awake' mode.
I sit up so fast in bed that my curls fall over my face.
Spitting the hair away, I look at the basket of divine chocolates and bask in its flawlessness.
Jumping from my bed, I skip to my chocolates on the table and tear into a Cadbury.
OH MY GAWD, tonguegasm alert! Soooooooo good!
It's way too fucking early to fight with you.
Good, let me enjoy this. Mmmmmmm.
After savoring the almost-toe-curling-orgasm-inducing-chocolate, I shower, then dress in denim jeans, boots, a vintage patterned sweater and my beautiful green scarf from Nana Swan. I pick up my bag and walk down to the kitchen
"Morning, Dad," I greet Charlie.
"Morning, Bells. Did you sleep well? Any headaches during the night?" Charlie inquires while reading the local newspaper.
"Slept like a bear during hibernation season. I took the pill just in case." I reply merrily. "Any interesting news?"
"There have been bear attacks near Sequim where a couple of campers were killed. The investigators think more than one bear is responsible for the attack since it's possible for two people to fight one off. The bears haven't been caught yet," Charlie tells me. I can hear the slight wariness in his tone; contemplating the extent of the danger.
"Don't worry, Dad, they'll catch them, eventually," I appease him, patting his shoulder
"That they will, kiddo. Just don't go on any camping trips or hiking anytime soon, okay?" He states it as a demand.
Not wanting to give him a prematurely grey mustache I mockingly sigh. "How would a klutz like me ever agree to not venture into the woods? This is unreasonable!"
Charlie rolls his eyes. "Just go to school."
"Yes, sir," I reply in mock seriousness, which he responds by shaking his head.
Giggling, I grab my jacket and open the door to make a run for it to Bob when I realize he's not there.
"DAD!" I shout in panic.
"What's with the shouting, Bells? What's going on?" Charlie asks reprimandingly.
I look at him with a pout. "Bob's gone!"
Charlie looks confused now. "What do you mean gone?"
"I mean he's gone! Vanished!" I whine like an immature moron.
He scowls, then tells me. "Get in the cruiser, Bells. I'll drive you to school and I'll radio in a BOLO."
We arrive to the school parking lot within a few minutes, lights flashing through the dark morning light.
It seems that the entire student population is looking at something on the rooftop.
"What's going on?" Charlie asks, to which I answer that I don't know.
Stepping outside of the cruiser, I gaze at the rooftop, when I finally spot it, my jaw drops and anger clouds my brain.
Charlie, on the other hand, laughs his ass off so hard, he is barely holding himself together as he doubles over, almost unable to speak.
"You've got yourself a match there, Bells!"
Terms:
Red Wings: The practice of cunnilingus on a female while she's menstruating.
Hard Limit: In BDSM, hard limit refers to prohibited activities or a participant's non-negotiable point.
Translation:
BOLO: Be on the lookout